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Ferguson: Time To Step Up

Seasiders Prepare For Leeds Test

Barry Ferguson has called on his players to 'step up' and put in the performances that secure Championship safety for Blackpool.

Three points above the relegation zone, The Seasiders head to Leeds United this weekend following back-to-back defeats at Bloomfield Road.

"The boys know now where we are and what we need to do," Ferguson said. "It's serious where we are and we need to now step up."

Leeds, without a win in five, will be looking to bounce back from their own problems, but Ferguson is firmly focused on his own side.

"They're going through a troubled time but they've got more points on the board than us. It's going to be a difficult game because they've got some good players. We need to go there with a game plan to try and come away with something.

"I know what way we need to go and approach the game and what manner. I've chopped and changed since I've been in charge probably quite a bit and more than I would like to. I believe that you need a settled eight or nine players but I've not had that, I've not been able to do that."

Ferguson, who hasn't featured since taking charge in January due to an ankle problem, put his boots back on at trained at Bloomfield Road this morning.

"I had a go this morning and I feel alright now, but it depends how I feel in the morning when I wake up. I'm trying everything in my power to try and get this club to stay in this division. If that means getting a bit of experience back out on the pitch with myself, I'll try and do that. If I can't do it, then I still believe I've got players that are capable of doing the job that I can do," he admitted.

Prior to training, a team meeting was held after the players received a letter from Blackpool Supporters' Association. The players have since replied to the letter, but actions will speak louder than words.

"The fans have got a right to voice their concerns and it's down to individuals, the players themselves, to say 'I'll prove you wrong and I'll prove that I want this club to stay in the division, and I want to prove that I'm good enough to play for this club'. It's all down to them now but if it was me, that's the attitude I'd have," Ferguson added.

On that pitch, that's what matters and that's what we need to start concentrating on, what we do on the pitch. It's got to be a lot better than what we've done, certainly in the last two games.